How to String a Bracelet
Stringing a bracelet is one of the most basic techniques in jewelry making and is the perfect project for beginner jewelry enthusiasts. The fun thing about stringing is it brings out the inner artist in you. There are no limitations. You can make whatever design you'd like no matter how wild and crazy. If you are the type of person who enjoys working with patterns, stringing may not be the best option for you since it is a very unstructured activity.
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Things You'll Need
- Wire A crimping tool A wire cutter Two crimp covers Two wire guards Two crimp tubes A toggle Beads A bead board Measuring tape Bead stopper
Instructions
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How to String a Bracelet
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1
Pick out the beads you'd like to use in your bracelet. There are thousands of colors and styles to choose from. Purchase them online, visit a beading expo, go to your local craft store such as Michael's or A.C. Moore or visit a specialty beading shop.
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2
Cut a 12-inch strand of wire. Choose from seven-, 19- or 49-strand wire. The higher the number, the more strands of wire are twined together, making the wire stronger and less likely to fall apart. Forty-nine strand is highly recommended. Depending on your preference, you can purchase the wire in silver, gold, copper, clear or brass.
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3
Measure your wrist to determine how long your bracelet should be. Use your bead board to organize your beads and create your design. Remember to take whatever the measurement of your wrist is and subtract 1 inch for your toggle. For example, if your wrist is 7 inches, create a design that is 6 inches long and then add your clasp or toggle. Also, it's best to have small beads at both ends of your wire to start and end your design. This makes it easier when you are working with crimp tubes later on in the project.
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4
Place the bead stopper about 2 to 3 inches down your wire. You'll need these spare inches when finishing it off, so it's important that it's there. Next, take the beads from your bead board and place them in the same order on your wire. Again, as you get to the other end of your wire, allow 2 to 3 inches to remain without beads, to be used when you crimp the bracelet. When you are finished, drape the wire over your wrist to get a rough idea if it will fit. Be careful not to spill your beads.
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5
Thread your wire through one crimp tube and then thread it through the right side of a wire guard. Loop the wire around the top of the wire guard and down through the left side of it.
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6
Add one side of your toggle by sticking it through the excess wire and up around the curved part of the wire guard. Place the excess wire through the crimp a second time. Pull up on the toggle and down on the excess wire at the same time. This will fill in any gaps that may be left on the beaded part of your wire. You do not want any spaces between your beads.
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7
Use your crimp tool and place the crimp between the second hole on the tool (the one furthest from the tip). Squeeze the tool so that it secures the crimp. Remove the crimp tool, turn the wire and the crimp so that it is now vertical, and place it in the first hole (closest to the tip) to crimp it again. When finished, the crimp should be flattened.
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8
Place the crimp cover over the flattened crimp. Use your crimp tool to close it over the crimp. It starts out looking like a "C" shape, and when you are finished it should look like a closed rounded bead. This item doesn't help keep the bracelet secure. It simply covers up the crimp and makes the design look neater. Repeat steps 5 through 8 on the other end of your bracelet to complete the project.
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